Students who are at least 14½ years old and are pursuing a high school diploma or GED can enroll in an approved driver education course provided through North Carolina high schools. A birth certificate or passport is required to enroll.
Driver education courses consist of two phases:
- A classroom portion, which involves 30 hours of instruction and an eye exam
- A driving phase, which involves 6 hours behind the wheel
Upon completion, students receive a Driver's Education Certificate, which allows them to apply for a Level One Limited Learner Permit at 15 years of age, the first level of North Carolina's graduated licensing process for drivers under age 18.